Boxing Update: Malignaggi’s Medical Condition

Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (21-1, 5 KOs) suffered a fractured right cheekbone during last Saturday’s title fight against World Boxing Organization light welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (27-0, 22 KOs) at Madison Square Garden. Cotto won a 12-round decision. The light welterweight from Brooklyn does not have a broken nose or broken jaw, as reported in some places, but he did suffer a cut under his left eyebrow from a head butt in the opening round.

Dr. Steven W. Margles, from the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts, who in the past performed two successful surgeries on Paulie’s hand, is Paulie’s personal physician. Dr. Margles attends all of Malignaggi’s fights and oversees his medical needs. “Right now,” Dr. Margles explained,” Paulie is being treated to reduce swelling and the evaluation of bones is ongoing to determine whether or not surgery will be necessary to achieve the best healing. We need to determine whether the breaks ar! e in good position or not. The most important bones aren’t seen very well on the CAT Scan we have now.

“With or without surgery, he will not be able to begin sparring for at least three months, but he could start training sooner. We expect him to be good to fight within six months with no long-term residual problems of any kind. The cut under his left eyebrow was sutured and it will be no problem in the future. When his recovery is complete, he’ll be as beautiful as ever.”

Malinaggi’s manager, Sal LoNano, went to the hospital with Paulie after the fight and they spent a lot of time with each other over the weekend. “Paulie was concerned because he felt he let everybody down,” LoNano said. “How many guys would have fought with injuries like that? A lot would have quit and nobody would have blamed them. Paulie’s tough! He’ll be back, stronger than ever, and Paulie Maligaggi will be a world champion.

“Everybody saw what he’s made of. He had trouble seeing because blood was going in his eye and a problem breathing because blood was in his nose and mouth. Cotto’s a great champion, fast and tough. He knocked out just about every fighter he’s been in against. But Paulie went the distance, despite the injuries, and only one other guy (Lovemore N’dou) has gone 12 rounds with Cotto.

“Even with those injuries, Paulie stayed in there, giving and taking. I thought that was amazing. (Cutman) Danny Milano told me they would have had to stop the fight if it wasn’t for my son (Frankie LoNano) helping him in the corner (cut eye and cheek). Paulie is a world-class warrior. He proved it to the world. Everybody on his team is so proud of him. We hope boxing fans feel the same way. This fight was a great experience for him.

“We’re so grateful to Ron Stevens (Chairman of the New York Athletic Commission). There was a discussion about whether or not to take Paulie to the hospital. Ron made the call and he even stayed with him at the hospital. Paulie also felt better after he received calls from Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward. They called to see how Paulie was doing and to tell him how proud they were of him.”

LoNano and Paulie’s promoter, Lou DiBella, will discuss Malignaggi’s future plans when they meet after DiBella returns to New York City from this weekend’s Jermain Taylor-Winky Wright championship fight in Memphis.

Fans may email their best wishes to Paulie at fullcourtpress_143@hotmail.com or send mail to him in care of Full Court Press, 14 Mill Street, North Reading, MA 01864.